Top 5 Most Common Causes of Road Traffic Accidents

Statistics

Between 2015 and 2016, the number of reported road traffic accidents increased by 2%*. Although this increase doesn’t seem a lot, the figures seem vast when looked at in terms of people killed or seriously injured, a total of 24,610 with a further 187,050 casualties of all severities*, according to the Department of Transport.

We have put together the top 5 most common causes of road traffic accidents to keep in mind next time you jump in your car…

Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers are the leading cause of car accidents in the UK today. A distracted driver is someone who directs their attention away from driving and towards taking calls or sending text, eating food, reaching for an object, reading a book, or putting on makeup.

To stay safe on the road, you must always give the road your undivided attention. If you have suffered personal injuries or losses due to a road traffic accident caused by a distracted driver then you could be entitled to claim compensation.

Speeding

UK roads are amongst the safest in the world but road traffic accidents caused by speeding are still frequent. Personal injuries sustained from car accidents that happen at high speed are usually more severe and thus contribute to car accident fatality statistics. The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence*.

Alcohol and Drug-Induced Drivers

Despite the rise in public awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence, more than 1.2 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in 2011, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)*.

It does not take much for drivers to exceed the legal alcohol limit, therefore when they do it results in severe accidents and injuries.

Dangerous Driving

Dangerous driving is a serious driving offence, more serious than distracted driving. Additionally, the offence usually results in a hefty fine, being disqualified and a potential 14-year prison sentence. Driving antagonistically, illegally overtaking, and racing other drivers are all components of dangerous driving that have major consequences such as death, injury and further losses.

Weather Conditions

Road traffic accidents happen in a variety of instances, however adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, ice, fog, snow, sleet, and dust which limit a driver’s ability to see often cause fatal motor vehicle crashes.

It is important to take precautions when driving in bad weather. Usually, it is those who speed or drive dangerously in poor weather conditions that cause injuries or losses to a person who is not at-fault for the accident.

Tiredness

This one probably doesn’t come as a shock. Research shows that tiredness causes almost 20% of road traffic accidents*, and it’s usually those who have already tried to beat exhaustion or constant tiredness who end up falling asleep at the wheel. Road traffic accidents caused by tiredness have a higher chance than others to cause a serious injury or fatality!

Secpro Limited is regulated by the Claims Management Regulator in respect of claims management activities. Our registration (CRM 28465) is recorded on www.gov.uk/moj/cmr

*All of our cases are handled on a no win no fee basis, other costs could be payable upon solicitors request. These will be fully explained to you before you proceed. Examples include: lack of cooperation or deliberately misleading our solicitors, or failing to go to any medical or expert examination, or court hearing.